(Dr David), an eminent physician and philosopher, was descended from an ancient family in the county of Galloway in Scotland. His grandfather, a clergyman, had settled in Ireland about the end of the last century, as minister to a Presbyterian congregation at Belfast; and his father, who followed the same line, was settled at Ballymoney in the county of Antrim, where he married, and where our author was born in April 1726. After a proper school-education, and having passed some time under the tuition of an eminent surgeon in his native place, he was sent to the university of Glasgow. Having there completed the usual course of academical studies, he came to Edinburgh for the further prosecution of medical science. After a short stay here, a war then prevailing between France and Britain, he was induced to go on board the navy in the station of a surgeon's mate. In the service of his country he continued for several years; and after discharging for some time the duties of an assistant, he was raised to the rank of surgeon. In this situation, he first turned his thoughts towards the discovery of a remedy for the sea-scurvy. It was not, however, at this period, that either chance or reasoning suggested to him the employment of an article which has since been attended with the most beneficial consequences. Here he had an opportunity only of observing the symptoms, of studying the nature, and of lamenting the consequences, of the disease.

The termination of the war by the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle put a period to Dr Macbride's employment as a naval surgeon. He had now probably obtained much medical knowledge in the school of experience; but he was sensible that he had still much to acquire in that of science. An ardent keenness to mingle in active life had led him from the schools of medicine at an earlier period than could have been wished; and an earnest desire to found his future practice in the best established principles led him back to them, when a judgment, matured by years, and informed from the observation of facts, rendered him capable of hearing teachers with greater advantage. He returned therefore to Edinburgh, and again entered on the career of academical pursuits, under the tuition of Dr Monro, and those other teachers, whose abilities raised the fame of the medical school at this place. But not satisfied with the instructions to be had from any one set of professors, the celebrity of the medical teachers in London led him also to visit that capital. There he particularly became the pupil of those distinguished lecturers, Dr Hunter and Dr Smellie. And while from the former he laboured to acquire an accurate surgical knowledge, from the latter he endeavoured to obtain the true principles of midwifery considered as a science. At the same time, he was no less industrious in improving himself in the successful practice of both arts by attention at hospitals.

Thus prepared for the exercise of his profession, about the end of the year 1749 he fixed his residence in Dublin in the character of surgeon and accoucheur. If amiable manners, and extensive knowledge of his profession, could alone have been sufficient introductions to practice, he might in a short time have looked for a competent share of business in that capital; but while he had to combat that objection which very generally arises from youth, his progress was also not a little retarded by an uncommon degree of modesty. Hence for several years he remained almost in a state of obscurity, and was employed by but few people either of rank or fortune. But, if it is to be regretted that for many years his time was not so fully employed in the lucrative part of his profession as was due to his merit, it ought still to be remembered, that this essentially promoted the cause of science; for by this means his genius and industry were directed to medical researches; and were productive of discoveries which will with honour transmit his name to latest posterity. These, though some of them might have been successfully turned to his own emolument, were freely communicated to the world in different publications; and he did not show greater ingenuity in making discoveries, than liberality of sentiment in publishing them for the advantage of others.—His first publication, entitled, "Experimental Essays on Medical and Philosophical Subjects," made its appearance in the year 1764.—These essays are five in number: 1. On the fermentation of alimentary mixture and the digestion of the food. 2. On the nature and properties of fixed air. 3. On the different kinds of antiseptics. 4. Of the dissolvent power of quicklime. 5. Of the seascurvy. The merit of all these is sufficiently known and acknowledged; but the last of them is unquestionably the most important; the method therein proposed of both the prevention and cure of that dreadful disease the scurvy, having been confirmed by repeated and undeniable observation.

Having thus equally distinguished himself as an ingenious philosopher and able practitioner, the world were not now slow in bestowing upon him the tribute of applause to which he was intitled. His name was enrolled with honour in the lists of many learned societies; and the university where his studies had first been commenced, were proud to confer upon him the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

The reputation, however, of being a distinguished author, was to him but a secondary object; and his talents were not confined to the advancement of medicine alone. Having successfully discovered a considerable improvement in the art of tanning, with that spirited generosity which is ever the concomitant of real worth, he speedily and freely communicated it to the public, by publishing, first, "An Account of a New Method of Tanning;" and afterwards, "Instructions for carrying on the New Method of Tanning." As a mark of approbation for this liberal conduct, as well as a testimony of respect for his ingenuity, prize-medals were conferred upon him by the Societies of Arts both in London and Dublin. But his last and most